Easterling in the Leadline Class: A Crowd Favorite

One of the show highlights at the Zada Enterprises Detroit Dressage show and certainly the class which drew the biggest crowd was the Leadline Class held Sunday May 23rd.

When Joan Easterling's daughter Kate was just I ½ years old, a friend bought her an entire show outfit. Easterling, who owns and operates Silver Fox Equestrian Center, LLC in Williamston, MI, asked Patrice Schreiber, organizer of the Zada Enterprises Detroit Dressage if they could have an exhibition leadline class, and "she made it happen."

Peter Easterling, DVM, and owner of Kern Road Veterinary Clinic sponsored the class, and thus began a new "series" which runs throughout the summer, at all the Willow Ridge Competitions, with a Championship class during the final show.

Kate's pony, Hunny, a welsh cross mare, works for a living as a lesson pony at Silver Fox Equestrian Center. Kate has been victorious in every class she has competed in. Since all the entries get a blue ribbon, the sport of Dressage begins a positive note, with an opportunity for these pint sized competitors to become excited about dressage shows.

"I would like to thank Patrice and the competition for offering this class. It means a lot to these pint sized riders and their families." said Easterling.

We here at PhelpsPhotos loved the idea so much, we sent off an e-mail to Palm Beach Dressage Derby organizer Evelyn O'Sullivan, who agreed to add the Leadline class to the Derby Series shows in 2005. And, we decided to sponsor the series, with ribbons and prizes, and a Championship Class to be held at Dressage at Equestrian Estates, 2005.